5 months

Homemade Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia

We planted a little of the wheat from Wesley's sensory bin.  The wheat was old in the first place and has been played with a ton over the last few months, but it still grew.

Brynn's 1st Easter

Easter morning was so fun.  The bunny brought Brynn rice cereal just like for Wesley's first Easter. 

Wes had fun finding the baskets and eggs.

I made little chocolate nests.  Back in the day my mother and grandmother made these out of butter scotch.

I made chicken with lemon sauce for Easter dinner.

Brynn got to try solid food for the first time on Easter (just like her big brother).

Coloring eggs is one of my favorite activities.  This year we tried using KoolAid.  It came off even after it was dry, and I don't think we'll do it again.  Still it was fun to try something new, and it smelled so good.

World's best dad, and I'm not the only one who thinks so.

It was fun to watch the dinosour egg the bunny brought Wes hatch the next few days.

Pockets and Feet

Two simple things that are favorites in my home.

I think it's over

I think we may actually be over this super nasty cold that has plagued us for the last couple of weeks.

Also, I am discovering a love of gardening.  Here's to Spring!

Easter Eve

Wes seemed sick the night before so we weren't sure if we were going to go out, but he seemed better by later in the morning.  We started out by visiting the Easter Bunny at our neighborhood grocery store.  Wes was excited to see him, but then felt a little unsure when we got close.  Still we had fun collecting balloons, string cheese, chocolate milk, and whatnot from around the store.

Then we headed off to Baby Animal Days at the American Wes Heritage Center.  I had really wanted to go last year, but my morning sickness prevented it.  So I was extra excited for this year.  We had been planning on going on Friday, but it was snowing like crazy.  I was surprised at how warm and sunny the next day was.
Brynn needed a hat, but we only had her brother's hat.  She was dressed all in blue but had ruffles all over her clothes.  She was smiling and flirting with everyone on the wagon ride.  I felt the need to explain her clothes.  The collective oh and chuckle makes mew think everyone was wondering.

Wesley's favorite part was the train ride and petting a lamb.  All in all we had lots of fun.  I think this may become a fun little tradition.

Down Again

We headed back down to spend time with family and attend my grandmother's funeral.

I must admit that having two small children is an adjustment for me.  I love it, wouldn't trade it, but just to do the basic day to day things take the whole day.  Add packing, traveling, and sleepless nights, and boy did I feel so tired.

My brother was able to get leave got to home just in time to visit my grandmother one last time.

Brynn was excited to meet her uncle.

He brought Wes a belated Christmas gift.  Brynn enjoyed it, too.

Brynn always full of new tricks she spent the time showing off her newly learned skills of raspberry blowing, eating her foot, and jumping (with the support of Mommy).

Even though the reason we were together was a sad one, we still had to keep it up beat for the kids.  So we headed off to the aquarium one day.  I think Grandma would be glad we had fun as a family.  I miss the days when we would have brought her with us.

The kids had a blast.  Brynn was totally amazed.

 Being a parent is such an interesting balance.  Trying to help them understand.  Being so happy and so sad at the same time.  We were talking to Wes about Great Grandma going to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus.  We did the little lesson with the glove on your hand that represents the body.  Wes sat and thought for a moment then said, "Dead...like the buggies and the beetles?"  I told him yes, but we are sad about Great Grandma and not the bugs.  He replied, "The cats not sad about bugs either."  Then he asked if bugs go to Heaven.  I wasn't sure how to answer this.  My idea of Heaven does not include bugs, but I don't think we will be deprived of things we love in there either.  Wes loves bugs.  I told him I didn't know but they might be.  Wes also asked if bugs get resurrected.  I told him I do not know.  He was so genuinely sweet and curious.  It was a sad thing for me to talk about but at the same time I was really trying not to laugh.  I really think Heavenly Father helped me to keep it together.  I always want my children to feel comfortable asking me questions.

I love the sweet innocence of children.

The services were beautiful, and it was nice to see extended family.  I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge that death is not the end, but that we can live together forever.

Grandma and Cousins

We went down in March to visit my Grandma Hood and Bret's side.  Bret didn't come with us because of work, but we still had fun.  We got to send some time with Aunt Lissy feeding ducks.  He was scared of the ducks at the beginning of the trip but started to warm up by the end.

Sunday we went to visit my grandmother.  I was so grateful to be able to see her one last time.  To thank her and let her know how much I love her.

Four generations.

Monday we went and hung out with the cousins because Bret's sister was down from Idaho.  It is the first time Wes has been with all his cousins since last July.  We went to the Bounce center and had a grand old time.

Wesley's cousins were so cute with him.  The older ones are all so sweet and helped him explore.

There are ten grandkids on my in-laws side with one more due in a couple of months.  It was so fun to be with them all, and they all got along fabulously.

My angle sleeping after two nights away from his own bed.  We were home for a couple of days before we went back down because my grandmother passes away.

Diggn' in the Dirt with Daddy

Much Ado About March

March came in like lamb instead of a lion.

Brynn's face in response to...

This...

Dirt and Milla-Rachel.  Three of his favorite things.

Trying out our new Sit N Stand Double Stroller Fusion for the first time.  Thanks to Bret's parents and our insurance company for the money for this.  The back seat comes off and it becomes a sit and stand stroller.  I love it

So sad and sweet.

Attempting to get pictures of Brynn in her blessing dress.

Wes needed his picture taken, too!

Enjoying a baby who smiles for the camera.

We finished up Wesley's in the March.  We still have work to do, but I feel like I can do it myself.  Wes tried Edamsme (we call them treasure beans) and really liked them.  He has refused to eat them since, but still it's progress.